Meet top 10 celebrities from Imo State

In this article, News360 Nigeria examines a list of the top 10 celebrities who hail from Imo State.

Imo State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. It shares borders with Rivers State to the west and south, Abia State to the east, and Anambra State to the north.

It is one of the five states in the Southeast where Igbo speakers are found. The production of agricultural products, especially palm oil, is the state’s main source of income.

Owerri, the state’s capital, is a sizable metropolis that is home to a sizable portion of the populace and a variety of industries, making it a major hub for trade.

The states have a variety of natural resources, including but not limited to zinc, solar and wind power, lead, calcium carbonate, natural gas, and crude oil.

Imo State, known by its catchphrase “the Eastern heartland,” is endowed not only with abundant natural resources but also with highly accomplished individuals who enjoy widespread recognition both within and outside of the state.

This article examines a few notable individuals whose ancestry is connected to Imo State.

1. Kanayo. O. Kanayo

Kanayo O. Kanayo, also known as Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR, is a distinguished Imo State native. His hometown is Nru Umueze Oboama Ezinihitte in Imo State’s Mbaise Local Government Area.

He is an established Nollywood actor who made his screen debut in “Living in Bondage” and a number of other Nollywood productions, which helped him gain notoriety and success.

He was born on March 1st, 1962, and graduated from the University of Abuja with a law degree.

2. Rita Dominic

Rita Uchenna Nkem Dominic Nwaturuocha is an Imo State-born actress who has won numerous awards.

She is a member of the Royal Nwaturuocha family from Imo State’s Aboh Mbaise local government area. Because of her involvement in various businesses and personal investments, she is considered one of the diligent actresses in Nollywood.

She is co-founder of the Audrey Silva Company, CEO of Rita Dominic Productions, and brand ambassador for GLO.

Rita, the eldest of four children, was born on July 12, 1975, and holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, situated in Rivers State, Nigeria.

3. Genevieve Nnaji

Another accomplished Nollywood actress who is from Imo State is Genevieve Nnaji. She is from the state’s Mbaise LGA and has become a role model for many, particularly in the film industry.

In recognition of her contributions to Nollywood, the Nigerian government named her a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, a national honor. She has also won multiple movie awards.

She has a bachelor’s degree in creative arts and was born on May 3, 1979.

4. Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Promise Iheanacho is an Imo State-born professional footbaler. He is a striker for Leicester City, an EFL Championship team, and the Nigerian national team.

His ability to score goals and ingenious strategies in football are what made him most famous. He was born in Owerri, Imo State, on October 3, 1996, and his teammates call him Senior Man.

5. Osita Iheme

Osita Iheme, who gained notoriety as Pawpaw for his humorous performance in the film Aki na Ukwa, is a prosperous Nigerian with Imo State roots.

President Goodluck Jonathan bestowed upon him the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his national service.

In order to uplift, encourage, and excite the minds of young Nigerians and Africans, he founded Inspired Movement Africa.

Born in Mbaitoli, Imo State, on February 20, 1982, he holds an MBA from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (IMT).

6. Victony

Anthony Ebuka Victor, a.k.a. Victony, is an Imo State-born hip-hop artist. In August 2020, he released his debut studio album Saturn under the labels Mainland BlockParty and Jungle Records, both based in Nigeria.

He made his debut in the music business with the release of his debut single, “Ina Benz.” He was born on January 5, 2001, and is from Orsu LGA in Imo State.

Prominent musicians like Falz, Davido, Wizkid, and Mi serve as his inspiration.

7. Chidinma Ekile

Chidinma Ekile is an Imo State-born singer, songwriter, and actress. Her victory in the third season of Project Fame West Africa catapulted her into the public eye.

Prior to transitioning to gospel music, she experimented with hip hop beats. She performed her hit song “Kedike” during the 2012 Kora Awards, where she won best Female West African Act.

Although she is originally from Imo State, she was born in Lagos State on May 2, 1991. She graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in sociology.

8. Okey Bakassi

Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, better known by his stage name Okey Bakassi, is an Imo State-born actor and stand-up comedian.

For his performance in the movie Onye Ozi, he was named the 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards’ “Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)” winner. He was born on October 23, 1969, and is from Mbaise in Imo State.

He is a graduate of Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied agricultural engineering.

9. Naeto C

Imo State native Naetochukwu Chikwe, better known by his stage name Naeto C, is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat musician, and record producer. He is of Nigerian descent even though he was born in Houston, Texas.

He has received accolades and recognition for his various hits that he has released thus far. He was named Emeka Ihedioha’s Special Assistant on Lagos Liaison, the former governor of Imo State. His postgraduate studies took place in the United States.

10. Linda Ikeji

Nigerian blogger, writer, entrepreneur, and former model Linda Ifeoma Ikeji hails from Imo State. Her blog and online publications have gained her a lot of recognition.

She is best characterized as a self-made millionaire who, in spite of her ordinary upbringing, managed to succeed by keeping her head above water. She serves as the CEO of Linda Ikeji TV, Linda Ikeji Music, and the well-known lindaikejisblog.

She was born into a Catholic family on September 19, 1980, and graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in English language.